“That was me,” the Duke piped up. “I am often restless at night, and I got up to take a walk to work off some energy. I apologize if I woke you.”
“There is no need to apologize, Your Grace,” Penelope said. “I was not awake for long.”
“I hope I did not wake any of you,” the Duke added, and he looked straight at Bridget.
Bridget could not help but stare back at him. “I was not woken,” she managed.
He looked more handsome than she remembered, as if he had grown more handsome overnight. His green eyes were bright and sparkled like diamonds in the early morning sun filtering through the two windows facing south. His hair was perfectly in place, and his elegant attire made him look regal at the table. Her eyes were drawn to his lips, and she regretted not kissing him the previous evening.
Bridget had been staring for far too long but could not tear her gaze away. She was glad when the Dowager Duchess entered the breakfast room.
“Good morning, everyone,” Rebecca greeted.
“Yes, good morning,” Bridget said a little too eagerly, finally able to look down at her plate.
She busied herself again, loading up her plate with cheese, ham, smoked fish, pastries, eggs, and fruit.
Bridget realized what she was doing too late. She took enough food for three people, distracted by the Duke. She would not have to look at him as long as she concentrated on her food. She could feel eyes on her, but not the Duke’s this time. She looked at her sister.
“Are you feeling well?” Margaret asked.
“I am fine,” Bridget replied. “I am hungry, is all.”
“Hmm,” her sister murmured, as if she knew exactly what was happening.
“Lady Bridget, we might take one of the walks this morning that I promised you, and you can work off all that food,” the Duke suggested.
Bridget knew she would not be able to eat all of the food, but if she ate slowly enough, she could leave most of it without anyone seeing.
“Yes, perhaps that would be nice if I am up to it,” she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.
It was an opportunity to look over at him again without coming off as suspicious, as long as she was able to look away this time.
The Duke looked straight at her, his eyes piercing her soul, and she felt her knees weaken. She was glad to be sitting at the table, or she might have collapsed under his gaze.
“You look well rested and rosy-cheeked this morning, Lady Bridget,” the Duke noted as he continued to stare at her.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Bridget replied. She was not sure if he was teasing her or giving her a compliment. “You look very well yourself.”
“You flatter me.” The Duke smirked. “I was up far too late last night, enjoying the fresh air. I should learn to go to sleep earlier, or I might get myself into trouble.”
“There is not much trouble to get into around here, Your Grace,” Bridget replied.
She could feel her sister looking at her again and knew she was talking too much. She picked up a piece of buttered bread and took a large bite. If her mouth was full, she could not talk anymore.
“Perhaps you are not fully recovered yet, Sister,” Margaret noted. “You look a little flushed.” There was obvious giddiness in her voice.
Bridget took her time finishing the piece of bread, hoping the conversation topic would change, but everyone waited patiently for her to reply.
“I am feeling fine, Margaret. Perhaps it is a little hot in here, that is all. Now, seeing as Mr. Peaches has returned, we must turn our attention to the wedding. Is there anything you will have me do today?”
If anything would get her sister to talk about something else, it was the wedding.
“Oh, yes, there is lots to talk about, Bridget. You have spent so much time in your room, and then there was your injury, and I am sure there are other things going on, but now that you are with me and Mr. Peaches has returned, there is a lot I must talk to you about. You have so much on your plate that we can remain at the breakfast table after everyone is done and speak about the wedding.” Margaret paused for a seance before adding, “And anything else we need to discuss.”
Bridget wanted to escape from the table, but she knew she could not.
“Yes, let’s do that,” she agreed.
